Michelle Tam’s Culinary Revolution

Jul 16, 2024

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Michelle Tam is the co-creator of the Saveur Award-winning food blog, Nom Nom Paleo. Together with her husband, Henry Fong, they’ve also produced a two-time Webby Award-winning cooking app, authored three New York Times bestselling cookbooks, have been nominated for a James Beard Award, and created a best-selling line of paleo spice blends.

This week, Barrett talks with Michelle about her journey from pharmacist to pioneer in the Paleo community, and her transition to food and wellness. She discusses the creative process of developing cookbooks with her husband Henry Fong, their balanced approach to Paleo eating, and the foundational role of family in their business. Barrett and Michelle cover a wide range of topics including the importance of creative integrity, handling audience feedback, dealing with criticism, the impact of community, and the joys and challenges of running a food blog and app. Michelle also shares her insights on climate change, the importance of professional relationships, maintaining authenticity, and her undying passion for food which continues to drive her work and life.

In this episode:

[00:00] - Intro
[02:43] - James Beard Award nomination
[06:32] - Family and food philosophy
[08:49] - The journey of Nom Nom Paleo
[15:02] - Cultural reflections and family dynamics
[27:45] - Career choices and immigrant influence
[35:57] - Embracing playfulness in work and life
[37:13] - Balancing passion and partnership
[41:04] - The creative process behind cookbooks
[48:21] - The impact of night shifts and discovering Paleo
[52:23] - Food as medicine and personal growth
[01:00:28] - Reflecting on success and personal standards
[01:11:55] - Learning from trolls and thoughtful feedback
[01:13:03] - Evaluating which opportunities to pursue
[01:18:09] - Connecting with the food community
[01:25:02] - Balancing life between two cities
[01:30:45] - Designing the perfect kitchen
[01:34:02] - Reflecting on personal and professional growth
[01:36:57] - The importance of quality friendships
[01:43:11] - The beautiful future Michelle is trying to create
[01:44:38] - Who Michelle is becoming

Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.